FASHION BLOG | Pandemic VS Paris: Fashion weeks fight to continue
Fashion Week couldn't be more different this year as fashion faces pandemic panic. From socially distanced catwalks to digital displays, luxury fashion houses have shown their adaptability and resilience during these challenging times. It has been interesting to see how each brand has presented their collection in such circumstances and I have not been disappointed this year. If you've gone through the whole of Netflix during quarantine like I have, fashion shows have become my new favourite form of entertainment. It has been so refreshing to see new fashion trends and I look forward to seeing these trends next Spring/Summer when the world is hopefully in a better place.
This year there was such a wide selection of fashion content available, not just to those people who were invited to the shows. You can catch a showcase of each house's collections via the Paris Fashion Week official website. And let me tell you, you don't want to miss any of the content! But if you did, here are my highlights of the final Fashion Week of the season.
I can't decide if this was a fashion show or a psychological thriller, either way I couldn't keep my eyes off Marine's quirky collection. With flesh eating slugs, eerie music and a fish hook entering someone's iris, this show isn't for the faint hearted, but it's this drama that engages fashion lovers in the new normal of digital showcases. Featuring their classic moon shaped print, the collection gave me futuristic ready to wear vibes serving unique suit looks. And did I mention that the whole thing is interactive! Content pops up during the epic short film for you to explore each scene's outfits as you watch. Who knew fashion could be this digital?
If I were to say what was my highlight of Paris Fashion Week, then it would be watching the Balmain show - even if it was just from my laptop. This was the closest thing to a 'normal' fashion show that could have happened during the week. The added touch of a virtual audience shown on TV screens on one side of the catwalk, however, put perspective on the current climate. If you've been on tiktok during the pandemic (I mean who hasn't?) you will recognise the soundtrack to this show - "Blinding Lights" by The Weekend. Whilst there was no dancing on the catwalk, the show started with older models, showing a push for inclusivity in the modeling industry. They looked classy yet stylish in their tailored monogram suits - talk about real boss ladies! If I were to describe all of the looks I loved then you would be reading this blog for hours, they had everything; neon, denim, sparkles, leather and much more. My favorite outfits were Balmain's take on luxury and glitter with a plunging draped crop and low waist skirt. My menswear standout was a neon vest paired with a shoulder padded suit - because men can rock that trend too!
Balenciaga gave us music video meets street style with models parading the dark streets of Paris to Corey Hard's "Sunglasses At Night". This was the most wearable collection I saw at fashion week, even though I wouldn't probably wear my sunglasses in the darkness! The collection was edgy and modern whilst also being sustainable. 93.5% of the materials were sustainable or recycled and 100% of the print bases were certifiably sustainable - a fashion forward step to reduce the impact of clothes on the environment. Unisex clothing was key to the collection and I loved the noughties inspired tracksuits and oversized outerwear.
Set in Paris' Grand Palais, a crisp white setting with Hollywood-esque Chanel lettering was the backdrop to the show. The Hollywood theme carried on through the collection with creative director Virgine Viard stating that the clothing was inspired by off duty actress looks. It gave me all the Parisian vibes and of course included versions of the classic Chanel blazers and statement jewellery. Candy pink was a key collection colour with a favourite outfit of mine being a matching short suit look with a monogrammed blue waistcoat - it looks like my work from home wardrobe needs a makeover! My standout outfit, however, was a slinky catsuit with a draping gold chanel belt and of course finished off with a signature Chanel flap bag.
What a way to close a fantastic Fashion Week with the iconic French luxury brand. This couldn't be missed from the highlights as LV provides some of the best Parisian styles in the world. Including creative greenscreen placement, this is a real 'digital meets catwalk' success. With the first model strutting out with "vote" plastered across her jumper, it was clear that LV was offering up a timely reminder about the upcoming American Presidential Elections, and what better way to promote action with fashion. The rest of the collection also featured bold colours and slogans on their pieces which gave an edgy streetwear vibe. If your style isn't as vibrant, then you would definitely enjoy their neutral outfits including their take on the coat of the season - a cream trench. Similar to the Balmain show, LV featured glittering fabric - a trend that is sure to take Spring/Summer 2021 by storm, and I don't know about you but I can't wait to dress like a stylish disco ball.
The global pandemic has had a huge impact on the fashion industry. From sourcing products to customers buying from socially distanced stores, it was inevitable that Paris Fashion Week would have to adapt to the new normal, and it did so with style! We have seen creativity thriving against all odds and creative directors have continued to capture the excitement of Fashion Week despite the challenges. I look forward to rocking the season's fashion trends in 2021 and I'm already waiting to see what the next season of fashion weeks brings.
Credits-@stylesearch.com